Air Conditioner Mister, Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a mister having an on state and an off state. A thermostat is coupled to an air conditioner compressor and to the mister. The thermostat informs the mister when the air conditioner compressor is running and the mister uses that information to determine whether to transition between the on state and the off state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/851,146, filed Sep. 11, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/495,466,filed Sep. 24, 2014, entitled “Air Conditioner Mister, Apparatus andMethod,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,134,039, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/482,815, filed May 29, 2012 entitled“Air Conditioner Mister, Apparatus and Method,” now U.S. Pat. No.9,198,980, all of which are incorporated by reference. This applicationclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/174,045, filedJun. 11, 2015, which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method forcooling an air conditioner system in order to boost the efficiencythereof. In order to better understand the disclosure, some backgroundon the operation of an air conditioner system may be helpful.

Willis Haviland Carrier developed the first modern air conditioningsystem in 1902. It was designed to solve a humidity problem at theSackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, N.Y.Paper stock at the plant would sometimes absorb moisture from the warmsummer air, making it difficult to apply the layered inking techniquesof the time. Carrier treated the air inside the building by blowing itacross chilled pipes. The air cooled as it passed across the cold pipes,and since cool air cannot carry as much moisture as warm air, theprocess reduced the humidity in the plant and stabilized the moisturecontent of the paper. Reducing the humidity also had the side benefit oflowering the air temperature, and a new technology was born.

The actual process air conditioners use to reduce the ambient airtemperature in a room is based on a simple scientific principle. Therest is achieved with the application of a few clever mechanicaltechniques. Air conditioners use refrigeration to chill indoor air,taking advantage of a physical law-when a liquid converts to a gas (in aprocess called phase conversion), it absorbs heat. Air conditionersexploit this feature of phase conversion by forcing special chemicalcompounds to evaporate and condense over and over again in a closedsystem of coils.

The compounds involved are refrigerants that have properties enablingthem to change at relatively low temperatures. Air conditioners alsocontain fans that move warm interior air over these cold,refrigerant-filled coils. In fact, central air conditioners have a wholesystem of ducts designed to funnel air to and from these serpentine,air-chilling coils.

When hot air flows over the cold, low-pressure evaporator coils, therefrigerant inside absorbs heat as it changes from a liquid to a gaseousstate. To keep cooling efficiently, the air conditioner has to convertthe refrigerant gas back to a liquid again. To do that, a compressorputs the gas under high pressure, which is a process that createsunwanted heat. All the extra heat created by compressing the gas is thenevacuated to the outdoors with the help of a second set of coils calledcondenser coils, and a second fan. As the gas cools, it changes back toa liquid, and the process starts all over again. The process can bethought of as an endless cycle: liquid refrigerant, phase conversion toa gas, heat absorption, compression, and phase transition back to aliquid again.

The major parts of an air conditioner manage refrigerant and move air intwo directions: indoors and outside. The parts consist of:

Evaporator—Receives the liquid refrigerant;

Condenser—Facilitates heat transfer;

Expansion valve—regulates refrigerant flow into the evaporator;

Compressor—A pump that pressurizes refrigerant.

The cold side of an air conditioner contains the evaporator and a fanthat blows air over the chilled coils and into the room. The hot sidecontains the compressor, condenser, and another fan to vent hot aircoming off the compressed refrigerant to the outdoors. In between thetwo sets of coils, there typically is an expansion valve. It regulatesthe amount of compressed liquid refrigerant moving into the evaporator.Once in the evaporator, the refrigerant experiences a pressure drop,expands, and changes back into a gas. The compressor typically is anelectric pump that pressurizes the refrigerant gas as part of theprocess of turning it back into a liquid. There are some additionalsensors, timers and valves, but the evaporator, compressor, condenser,and expansion valve are the main components of an air conditioner.

Most air conditioners have their capacity rated in British thermal units(Btu). A Btu is the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of1 pound (0.45 kilograms) of water one degree Fahrenheit (0.56 degreesCelsius). One Btu equals 1,055 joules. In heating and cooling terms, oneton equals 12,000 Btu.

A typical window unit air conditioner might be rated at 10,000 Btu. Forcomparison, a typical 2,000-square-foot (185.8 square meters) housemight have a 5-ton (60,000-Btu) air conditioning system, implying that aperson might need perhaps 30 Btu per square foot. These are roughestimates. The energy efficiency rating (EER) of an air conditioner isits Btu rating over its wattage. As an example, if a 10,000-Btu airconditioner consumes 1,200 watts, its EER is 8.3 (110,000 Btu/1,200watts). Obviously, one would like the EER to be as high as possible, butnormally a higher EER is accompanied by a higher price.

The following example helps illustrate the process of selecting the mosteconomical/efficient air conditioning system. Suppose you have a choicebetween two 10,000-Btu units. One has an EER of 8.3 and consumes 1,200watts, and the other has an EER of 10 and consumes 1,000 watts. Supposealso that the price difference between the two units is $100. Todetermine the payback period on the more expensive unit, you need toknow approximately how many hours per year you will be operating the airconditioner and how much a kilowatt-hour (kWh) costs in your area.Assume you plan to use the air conditioner six hours a day for fourmonths of the year, at a cost of $0.10/kWh. The difference in energyconsumption between the two units is 200 watts. This means that everyfive hours the less expensive unit will consume one additional kWh (or$0.10) more than the more expensive unit.

With roughly 30 days in a month, you are operating the air conditioner:

4 months×30 days per month×6 hours per day=720 hours

[(720 hours×200 watts)/(1000 watts/kilowatt)]×$0.10/kilowatthours=$14.40

The more expensive air conditioning unit costs $100 more to purchase butless money to operate. In our example, it will take seven years(7×$14.40=$100.80) for the higher priced unit to break even. Because ofthe rising costs of electricity and a growing trend to “go green,” morepeople are turning to alternative cooling methods to spare theirpocketbooks and the environment. Nevertheless, as the above descriptionshows, substantial savings can also be had by increasing the efficiencyof an existing air conditioner unit. One way of doing that is byemploying the method and apparatus of the present invention, which usesless energy to achieve the same or greater performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides an alternative to the ever-increasingcost of electricity and the corresponding cost burden of using an airconditioner. As described in more detail below, the present disclosurereduces the amount of energy needed to condense the refrigerant on thehot side of the air conditioning system. Specifically, the presentdisclosure provides a novel system for spraying a mist of water on theair conditioner's condensing coils so that, as the water hits the coilsand evaporates, it reduces the temperature of the coils. This reducedtemperature assists in more rapidly reducing the temperature of therefrigerant inside the condenser and more rapidly enables therefrigerant to change from a gas to a liquid. The more rapidly thisprocess takes place, the less electricity needed (by the compressor,fan, etc.) to complete that process. The less electricity needed, theless the cost to run the system. Likewise, the less the compressor andfan are required to run to do their job, the longer they will last andnot need to be replaced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a misting system including a supply hose,controller, filter and manifold.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a control box

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a filter.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a manifold.

FIG. 5 illustrates control inputs used for controlling a misting system.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable manifold.

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of one end of an adjustable manifold.

FIG. 6C is a plan view of an adjustable manifold.

FIG. 6D is plan view of daisy-chained adjustable manifolds.

FIG. 6E is a plan view of a final adjustable manifold in daisy-chainedadjustable manifolds.

FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view of an air bleeding check valve.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a wireless misting controller.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a wireless misting controller.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a misting system with wirelesscommunication.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of multiple misting systems interacting witha cloud based server.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a box

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the box of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the misting system with a box interactingwith a cloud based server.

FIG. 14 is block diagram of multiple misting systems with boxesinteracting with a cloud based server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of thepresent disclosure. These embodiments are described in sufficient detailto enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice theseembodiments without undue experimentation. It should be understood,however, that the embodiments and examples described herein are given byway of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Varioussubstitutions, modifications, additions, and rearrangements may be madethat remain potential applications of the disclosed techniques.Therefore, the description that follows is not to be taken as limitingon the scope of the appended claims. In particular, an elementassociated with a particular embodiment should not be limited toassociation with that particular embodiment but should be assumed to becapable of association with any embodiment discussed herein.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a misting system 5 is illustrated. Themisting system 5 may include a first supply hose 10, a control box 20, afilter 30, a second supply hose 40, and a manifold 50. The first supplyhose 10 may be constructed from ½ inch vinyl tubing and connects to awater supply source (not shown) at a first end and to an input oncontrol box 20 at a second end. The control box 20 may house a solenoidvalve 25 and circuitry (not shown) programmable to control operation ofthe misting system 5. The first end of filter 30 connects to an outputof control box 20, whereas a second end of filter 30 connects to a firstend of second supply hose 40. The supply hose 40 may be constructed from¼ inch vinyl tubing. A second end of supply hose 40 may connect tomanifold 50.

Referring to FIG. 2, the control box 20 is illustrated. As shown, thecontrol box 20 may include an input 22, an output 24, a button selector28, and an LCD view screen 26. Control box 20 may also include a portfor receiving an electrical signal and/or an antenna for receiving awireless signal where, as described in more detail below, the receivedsignal(s) can be used to control the programming and/or operation ofcontrol box 20.

Referring to FIG. 3, the filter 30 is illustrated. As shown, the filter30 may include an input 32 and an output 34.

Referring to FIG. 4, the manifold 50 is illustrated. As shown, themanifold 50 may include an input 52, an output 54, and a spray nozzles56. While three spray nozzles 56 are depicted, different numbers can bechosen depending on the need for the particular application.

The misting system 5 depicted in FIG. 1 may operate as follows. Thefirst end of supply hose 10 is connected to a water source (not shown),such as a water faucet on the exterior of a home. When the water supplyis turned on, water flows from the source, through the first supply hose10, and into the control box 20. The control box 20 may include asolenoid valve 25 that opens and closes under the program control of thecontrol box 20. When the solenoid valve 25 is closed, no water flowsthrough the control box 20. When the solenoid valve 25 is open, waterflows through the control box 20 and into the filter 30.

As will be described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 3, thefilter 30 softens the water flowing there-through so as to reducemineral build-up in the second supply hose 40, the manifold 50, and onany surface in the air conditioner unit that gets wet as a result ofusing the apparatus. Locating the filter 30 on the downstream side ofthe control box 20 means that it is not under constant water pressure,as it would be if it were located on the upstream side of control box20. This may extend the life of the filter 30.

Next, as water flows through the filter 30 and the second supply hose40, it enters the manifold 50. The water at this point is under pressurefrom its supply and the reduced diameter of the second supply hose 40.Other methods may be used for adjusting the pressure of the watersupplied to the manifold 50. Water enters the manifold 50 and exits,under pressure, through the spray nozzles 56. The manifold 50 ispositioned on the air conditioner system so that the exiting water sprayprimarily falls on the air conditioner's condenser. As explained above,this water and its evaporation cool the condenser, thereby aiding in thecooling of the refrigerant inside, and reducing the time/power necessaryto cool the refrigerant.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, one or moremanifolds 50 can be employed depending on the configuration desired. Forexample, a single manifold 50 can be used on one side of the airconditioner unit. Alternatively, additional manifold units 50 can beconnected together by uniting them at their inputs/outputs shown inFIGS. 4, 5A-5C (discussed below). For example, using four manifold units50 would enable a user to place one manifold 50 on each of the foursides of an air conditioner so that the water spray would enter the airconditioner from all sides. Depending on the configuration, this may addto the volume of water falling on the condenser inside the airconditioner unit. Likewise, more than one manifold unit 50 could beplaced on the same side of the air conditioner if that proved to be thebest way of misting the condenser.

In or more embodiments, a drain (not shown) is added to the valvebetween the filter 30 and the manifold 50. This drain valve would openwhen the misting system 5 is not on in order to drain water frommanifold 50, the second supply hose 40, and the filter 30.

The time that the misting system 5 operates may also be important. Forexample, no water should be flowing if the air conditioner unit is notrunning. Control of the water supply is managed by programmablecircuitry inside control box 20 (in order to open/close the solenoidvalve 25) with the aid of one or more of the inputs/metrics shown inFIG. 5, as discussed below.

The control box 20 may house a central processing unit (CPU) 505 thatoperates under program control. In one embodiment, the CPU 505 usesthree sources of information to decide when to initiate (i.e., open) thesolenoid valve 25. The CPU 505 receives information from anelectromagnetic field (EMF) detector 510, which measures electromagneticfields generated by the compressor's induction motor, an acousticdetector 515, which measures acoustic levels, and a temperature sensor520, which measures the ambient temperature near the control box 20. Allthree measurements are amplitude based. Because the apparatus typicallyis either full on or full off, it typically only cares about peakamplitudes of each metric. The CPU 505 uses the measured data todetermine when to run the misting system 5.

Temperature

Water based pre-cooling begins to lose efficiency the closer the watertemperature is to the ambient temperature. Tests have shown 78 degreesFahrenheit to be the best all around temperature based cutoff. Thus, inthis embodiment, if the temperature sensor 520 reads less than athreshold, such as 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the CPU 505 will sense thatand disable the unit (i.e., it will not allow the solenoid valve 25 toopen).

Acoustics

The acoustics section uses the amplitude of the sound waves generated bythe running compressor and fan as a turn-on verification. When apredetermined appropriate noise threshold is met (as sensed by theacoustic detector 515 and delivered to the CPU 505), the CPU 505 willallow the misting system 5 to arm (i.e., capable of turning on thesolenoid valve 25 if other parameters are met). This is a method the CPU605 uses to confirm the compressor is running. As indicated, having thisthreshold met alone will not turn the misting system 5 on, it is usedmerely as a “go, no go” signal to the CPU 505.

Electromagnetic Field/Compressor Current Detection

When the compressor motor turns on, it generates strong EMF around itscore. The CPU 505 is equipped with an antenna system (EMF detector 510in FIG. 5) designed to pick up and measure these fields. Using EMF togauge operation allows the unit to discriminate between local AC systems(when the misting system 5 is installed on multiple compressor systems)as well as tell the CPU 505 when it is the proper time to turn on themisting system 5. The misting system 5 preferably should only run whenthe compressor is on.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the CPU 505 senses temperature,acoustics, and EMF. The CPU 505 will only cause the solenoid valve 25 toopen if each of these metrics is met. In other words, in this particularembodiment, the solenoid valve 25 will open if the ambient airtemperature is at least 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the acoustic detector 515detects a sufficient level of “noise”, and the EMF detector 510 detectsa sufficient level of EMF. If all three of these metrics are met, theCPU 505 will issue a command to open the solenoid valve 25 and allowwater to traverse the solenoid valve 25 and ultimately mist the airconditioner unit. If any one of these metrics are not met, the CPU 505will not open the solenoid valve 25, thereby preventing any water fromtraversing the valve.

In yet another embodiment, the CPU 505 can receive a wired or wirelessinput signal that further controls (or assists in the control of) thesolenoid valve 25. In this embodiment, for example, the received/inputsignal could be activated, thereby telling the CPU 505 to (1) eitheroverride the other inputs and open (or close) the solenoid valve 25 or(2) operate as another input for the controller to consider whendeciding to open (or close) the solenoid valve 25. The wired inputsignal can emanate from any source, such as a manual or programmableon/off switch, a home automation system, a thermostat, an alarm system,etc. Similarly, the wireless input signal can be generated by receipt ofa wireless signal from any source, such as an IEEE 802.11 or a Bluetoothcompliant signal delivered by any device capable of communicating usingeither standard. For example, the state of the input signal could becontrolled by a handheld remote control, or a web or mobile applicationthat allows its user to activate the input signal in order to control(or assist the control of) the solenoid valve. In the case of web ormobile applications (as with an appropriate hard-wire signal), theycould also be designed to enable the user to reprogram the CPU 505 toopen/close the solenoid valve 25 based on a different combination ofinputs than the combinations described above.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other metrics can be used,including more, less, and/or different metrics. Likewise, variants ofthe preferred components of the misting system 5, as described below,are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Manifold

The misting system 5 may include a plurality (e.g., three) of manifolds50, each with three mister nozzles 56 attached. The nozzles 56 are ratedfor 5.4 gph @ 80 psi and have an orifice of 0.04 mm. While the manifold50 can be any shape, the manifold may have a flat side to host thenozzles 56. A flat surface enables a nozzle o-ring (not shown) toproperly seat between the nozzle 56 and the side, so as to best preventwater leakage and provide optimal spray out of the nozzle. Additionalmanifolds 50 can be added, as can manifolds 50 with more (or less)mister nozzles attached. As will be appreciated by those skilled in theart, as mister nozzles 56 are added, the flow rate increases.

Filters

The filter 30 may be made by Electrical Appliances Ltd. In one or moreembodiments, the filters are standard 10″×2″ cylindrical cartridgefilters 30 often seen on ice makers. The filters 30 may have ½″ nationalpipe thread (npt) ports and are made of low density (LD) polyethylene.In one or more embodiments, the filtration media is SodiumPolyphosphate. Siliphos (for short) is a crystal-based media thatdissolves slowly as water passes over it. When dissolved, its moleculesprevent iron, calcium, magnesium (the constituents of water scale) fromforming residue that could clog the misting system 5 as well as damagethe air conditioner's cooling system.

Valve

As described above, the solenoid valve 25 is the heart of the CPU's 505control of the misting system 5 because it controls when the water flowsto the manifold 50. A person of ordinary skill would understand thatsolenoid valve 25 could be replaced by a different kind of valve (e.g.,an electrically operated ball valve). In embodiments where the mistingsystem 5 is solar powered (using the solar array 525 as shown in FIG.5), a special consideration is how much power the valve consumes.Traditional solenoid valves do not work well because they require powerto be constantly applied to stay open. For example, the valve may use a22 millisecond (ms)+/−10% positive polarity pulse to latch the valveopen and a 44 ms+/−10% negative polarity pulse to latch the valveclosed. No other power is required to keep the valve open after theinitial open signal is sent. When it is time to close the valve, a shortnegative going pulse is applied to the solenoid valve 25 and it latchesclosed.

Batteries

In one or more embodiments, batteries 530 (as illustrated in FIG. 5) arestandard AA 1.5V nominal at 2,500 mAH units. If a solar array is used,the standard AA batteries are replaced by a rechargeable battery pack.In one or more embodiments, four batteries 530 typically are requiredfor operation, and with the solar array trickle 525 charging the packduring daylight hours, the battery pack will last at least six monthswithout needing to be replaced.

User Interface

In one or more embodiments, interfacing with the misting system 5 isachieved via one ductile weather proof rubberized push button switch(such as button selector 28, see FIG. 2) mounted on the exterior of thecontrol box 20 (see FIG. 2) and a piezo speaker 535 located within thecontrol box 20 (see FIG. 5). Using a system of button pushes and audiofeedback, the user can set up the misting system 5. Other embodiments ofthe disclosure can use more push buttons for added functionality. In oneor more embodiments, the misting system 5 can be set up remotely by wayof a mobile device or a cloud based system as described below.

Solar Array

In one or more embodiments, the solar array 525 is a 9 Volt (V) 200milliampere (ma) crystal metal matrix solar array 525 that helps keepthe batteries 530 topped off and extends the misting system's autonomousrun time. The CPU 505 may have battery management/solar charger softwareinstalled, and it handles the job of battery pack maintenance andcharging via solar energy.

CPU

In one or more embodiments, the CPU 505 is an 8-bit microcontroller(e.g., the ATtinymega88 series provided by Atmel). All functions of thecontroller are encoded and controlled via software. This not only allowsfor precision when it comes to control, measurements, and management,but it also lends itself to future proofing of the misting system 5.During the lifetime of the product, it may be desirable to fine tune andmake changes to the control architecture and protocol of the mistingsystem 5. Because the control box 20 preferably has a programming port(not shown), that enables updates of previously manufactured systems tocurrent firmware.

In one or more embodiments, during initial set up, the misting system 5needs to be calibrated to the specific compressor system that it isinstalled on. Calibration ensures that the misting system 5 function istailored to each individual installation. Upon initial assembly and setup, the unit is powered on with the control button (see button selector28 in FIG. 2) depressed. After 5 seconds, the control box 20 isprogrammed to enter calibration mode. The control box 20 will stay inthe calibration mode until told otherwise. When the compressor turns on,the CPU 505 will, in one or more embodiments, set its thresholds withinapproximately 10 seconds. When the CPU 505 has enough information to setthe proper thresholds, it will beep twice. The user then presses andholds the control button (such as button selector 28) for 5 seconds andthe thresholds become stored in memory (not shown) and the setup mode isexited. A successful calibration will result in the control box 20making a series of beeps. The beeps will last 5 seconds allowing theuser to back away from the control box 20 before it begins misting.Thereafter, the CPU 505 will run its normal program. A filter timer isinitialized and started, and the misting system 5 will functionautonomously until the filter timer reaches 0.

When it is time to change the filter cartridge (i.e., when the filtertimer reaches 0), the misting system 5 is programmed to alert the uservia a series of audible beeps that run for 5 seconds every other hour(only during the day). When the user is ready to make the filter 30change, they will turn off the water source and disconnect the hose 40from the input port 22. The control button 28 is pressed and held for 5seconds. The control box 20 will make a series of beeps to let the userknow it is now in standby mode and is OK to change the filter 30. Theuser removes the old filter 30 by unscrewing it from the control box 20and replaces it with a new filter 30. Once the water source isreconnected and turned on, the user presses and holds the control button28 for 5 seconds. The control box 20 responds by emitting a series ofbeeps and the main program begins to run. The filter timer is alsoreset.

Adjustable Manifold

The manifold 505 can be replaced by an adjustable manifold 605, asillustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C. The adjustable manifold 605 may include amanifold body (or housing) 610. The manifold body 610 may have an insidediameter that traverses the length of the manifold body 610. Themanifold body 610 may include a tubing end 615 and a coupling end 620.In one or more embodiments, the tubing end 615 is integral with atubing-end shoulder 625. In one or more embodiments, the coupling end620 is integral with a coupling end shoulder 630.

In one or embodiments, the tubing-end shoulder 625 has an outsidediameter larger than the outside diameter of the tubing-end 615. In oneor more embodiments, the tubing-end shoulder 625 has an inside diameterthat is larger than the inside diameter of tubing end 615. A tubing-endfunnel 635 is formed by this configuration.

In one or embodiments, the coupling-end shoulder 630 has an outsidediameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the coupling end620. In one or more embodiments the coupling-end shoulder 630 has aninside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the couplingend 620. A coupling-end funnel 640 is formed by this configuration.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustable manifold 605 includes a ¼″tube 645. The ¼″ tube 645 has an outside diameter that is smaller thanthe inside diameter of the manifold body 610, which produces a waterclearance 650 where water can flow between the inside diameter of themanifold body 610 and the outside diameter of the ¼″ tube 645 to thespray nozzles 56. In one or more embodiments, the ¼″ tube 645 has aninside diameter that traverses the length of the ¼″ tube 645.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustable manifold 605 may include atubing-end O-ring 655 and a coupling-end O-ring 660. In one or moreembodiments, the tubing-end O-ring 650 may sealingly abut against thetubing-end funnel 635. In one or more embodiments, the coupling-endO-ring 660 may sealingly abut against the coupling-end funnel 640.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustable manifold 605 may include atubing end insert bushing 665. In one or more embodiments, the tubingend insert bushing 665 has an outside diameter that is smaller than theinside diameter of the tubing-end shoulder 625. The tubing end insertbushing 665 may have outside diameter larger than the manifold body 610inside diameter. In one or more embodiments, the tubing end insertbushing 655 has an inside diameter that traverses the length of thetubing end insert bushing 665. In one or more embodiments, the insidediameter of the tubing end insert bushing 665 is larger than the ¼″tubing 645.

In one or more embodiments, a tubing end collet 670 is couplable to thetubing end insert bushing 655. In one or embodiments, the tubing endcollet 670 has an inside diameter that is larger than the outsidediameter of the ¼″ tube 645. When assembled as shown in FIG. 6C, thetubing end collet 670 engages the ¼″ tube 645 and secures it to thetubing end insert bushing 665 in such a way that the ¼″ tube 645 canslide inside the tubing end collet 670 and the tubing end insert bushing665. The tubing end insert bushing 665 engages with the tubing endshoulder 625 and the tubing-end O-ring 655 to seal the water clearance650 at the tubing end 615 of the manifold body 610.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustable manifold 605 may include acoupling end insert bushing 675. In one or more embodiments, thecoupling end insert bushing 675 has an outside diameter that is smallerthan the inside diameter of the coupling-end shoulder 630. The couplingend insert bushing 675 may have outside diameter larger than themanifold body 610 inside diameter. In one or more embodiments, thecoupling end insert bushing 675 has an inside diameter that traversesthe length of the coupling end insert bushing 675. In one or moreembodiments, the inside diameter of the coupling to end insert bushing675 is larger than the ¼″ tubing 645.

In one or more embodiments, a coupling end collet 680 is couplable tothe coupling end insert bushing 675. In one or embodiments, the tubingend collet 680 has an inside diameter that is larger than the insidediameter of the ¼″ tube 645. When assembled as shown in FIG. 6C, thetubing end collet 670 engages the coupling end insert bushing 675, whichin turn engages with the coupling end shoulder 630 and the coupling-endO-ring 660 to seal the water clearance 650 at the coupling end 620 ofthe manifold body 610.

The tubing end collet 670 includes teeth 685 (the teeth for the couplingend collet 680 are not labeled to avoid cluttering FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C)that normally engage the 1/4 ″ tube 645. The teeth 685 allow the ¼″ tube645 to be pushed into the adjustable manifold 605 but prevent the ¼″inch tube 645 from being pulled out of the adjustable manifold 605. Whenthe tubing end collet 670 is pressed in (i.e., toward the tubing endinsert bushing 665) the teeth 685 are disengaged from the ¼″ tube 645,which allows the ¼″ tube to be pulled out of the adjustable manifold605.

The adjustable manifold 605 is shipped with the ¼″ tube 645 withdrawninside the manifold body 610. At installation, the adjustable manifoldis coupled to the outside of the compressor as described above and the¼″ tube is extended to mate with the filter 30 as shown in FIG. 1.

Multiple adjustable manifolds 605 can be daisy-chained together, asshown in FIG. 6D. A ¼″ tube 687 from a second adjustable manifold 605 isinserted into the coupling end collet 680. As a result of thisinstallation, the first adjustable manifold and the second adjustablemanifold are pressurized by the water supply. Additional adjustablemanifolds 605 can be added. In one or more embodiments, 4 adjustablemanifolds 605 are provided, one for each side of the compressor.

The final adjustable manifold 605 in the chain of adjustable manifolds605 is illustrated in FIG. 6E. It includes an air bleeding check valve690, which is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 6F.

The air bleeding check valve 690 includes an insert sleeve 691 that hasthe same outside diameter as the ¼″ tube 645 and an inside diametersufficient to allow the passage of air and water. The air bleeding checkvalve 690 further includes a valve body 692 that is integral with theinsert sleeve 691 and includes a chamber 693 with an inside diameterlarger than the inside diameter of the insert sleeve 691. The airbleeding check valve 690 further includes an outlet port 694 that isintegral with the valve body 692 and has an inside diameter smaller thanthe inside diameter of the chamber 693. The interface between the valvebody 692 and the outlet port 694 forms two shoulders: an O-ring shoulder695 and a spring shoulder 696. A check valve O-ring 697 sealingly abutsthe O-ring shoulder 695. A cylindrical piston 698 is located in thechamber 693 and moves within the chamber 6933. A spring 699 abuts thecylindrical piston 697 at one end and the spring shoulder 696 at theother end.

The cylindrical piston 698 does not fill the entire inside diameter ofthe chamber 693. As a result, air will pass around the cylindricalpiston 698 and escape through the outlet port 694. Water flowing throughthe air bleeding check valve 690 will escape around the cylindricalpiston 698 and through the outlet port 694 until the water pressure inthe chamber 693 exerted on the cylindrical piston 698 is sufficient tocompress the spring 699 to the point where the cylindrical piston 698seals against the check valve O-ring 697. At that point, the airbleeding check valve 690 acts as a plug.

As a consequence, when the solenoid valve 25 is first turned on,allowing water to flow to the adjustable manifold 605, any air presentin the system will escape through the air bleeding check valve 690. Whenwater reaches the air bleeding check valve 690, the air bleeding checkvalve 690 closes, causing all adjustable manifolds 605 in the chain topressurize and spray water through their respective spray nozzles 56.

In one or more embodiments, a filter check valve similar to the airbleeding check valve 690 is installed on the output 34 of the filter 30.The difference is the filter check valve has a tee from the valve body692 allowing water to continue into the second tubing when thecylindrical piston 698 seals on the check valve O-ring 697. This allowsa short flow of water through the valve in the time that the spring 699is being compressed by the cylindrical piston 698 so that no water thatis oversaturated with filtration media can continue into the tubing andmanifolds potentially causing clogs.

When the system turns misting off and there is no water pressure, waterin the ¼″ tubings 645 and adjustable manifolds 605 drains out of eitherthe air bleeding check valve 690 or the filter check valve, whichever iscloser to the ground.

Wireless Misting Controller

A wireless misting controller 705 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Thewireless misting controller 705 consists of a microprocessor basedcontroller (or CPU 710, which may be a microprocessor as shown in FIG.8) loaded with a programmed algorithm with adjustable variables, whosepurpose is to take in various sensor inputs (electromagnetic/current(EM/I) 715, acoustic 720, temperature 725, pressure 730, current in andout (Iin/Iout) 735, wifi 740 (to receive, for example, current and/orforecast weather information) to compute the appropriate misting programand execute it to control the solenoid valve 25. The wireless mistingcontroller 705 also tracks and stores all runtime data, incoming sensorinput data as well as the results of various calculations from suchdata. This data is stored locally on the wireless misting controller 705in a log 805 and is periodically transmitted via wifi link 745 to acloud based server (described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10 and13) where the data is used for computing reports, making adjustments tothe program variables and interacting with the customer (i.e., byproviding alerts). Local program variables can be changed by the cloudbased server to help the local wireless misting controller 705 learn oroptimize its operation. Savings reports generated by the server sidecomputations may be pushed to the customer via smart phone APP or webinterface. A jack 810 may be included to allow use of external power andmay also be used to update firmware.

Installation of the misting system 5 and the wireless misting system 705is benign. It requires no wiring or professional plumbing to make itwork, it acquires all of its telemetry data via wireless sensorinteraction with the condenser unit, meaning it gathers all requiredtelemetry by just being in the vicinity of the AC condenser. The systemis delivered to the customer pre-assembled and tested. All the customerneeds to do, to install a misting system 5, is to hang the control box20 or the wireless misting controller 705 and the manifold(s) 50 andtighten a garden hose.

Electromagnetic Field/Compressor Current Detection

The control box 20 and wireless misting controller 705 have anultra-sensitive, 3 axis magnetic field detection system that allows theonboard microprocessor to receive and measure the magnetic field beingtransmitted by the compressor motor and/or fan motor while running. Onboard circuitry can remove or filter the 50-60 hz component and deduce aproportional voltage to the current running through the compressormotor. This voltage value is then passed to the CPU's 710 on boardanalog to digital converter (ADC) and output to its registers in a0-2000 count format. This count value is used to determine magnitude forturn on events as well as current calculations via lookup tables in theCPUs 710 registers.

Acoustic Level Detection

The control box 20 and wireless misting controller 705 have a sensitivemicrophone and associated amplification and filtering circuitry thatallow it to listen for and measure the specific 50-60 hz noise createdby the compressor and its fan during operation. The analog voltage levelproduced by this circuit is sent to the CPU's 710 ADC and output to itsregisters in a 0-1000 count format. This count value is used todetermine magnitude to confirm a turn on event.

Temperature Input

On board temperature sensor allows the control box 20 and wirelessmisting controller 705 to decide when it is warm enough to run a mistingprogram. The input from this sensor is weighed within a mist programalgorithm executed by the CPU 710. Allowable temperature ranges arecontrolled via real time interaction with the cloud based server(discussed below).

Charge Sensing (Iin/Iout)

With the main power source being solar it is useful to keep track of theenergy storage system's status as well as knowing if there is a powerdeficit. The CPU 710 tracks the amount of current going into the batterypack as well as the amount going out to get a an overall picture of thepower system's general health. There are preprogrammed fail safes builtinto the system that will force the computer into a self-preservationmode, disabling all wife communications but continuing mistingoperation, until battery levels can be replenished. This way all mistingfunctionality is maintained even if the wireless link needs to besevered due to power concerns. This power in vs power used will be showngraphically to the customer via an application that runs on a mobiledevice or a computer (“APP”). This data can help tailor their use of the“APP”.

Wifi Connectivity

Other remote devices can connect with the control box 20 or wirelessmisting controller 705 to either tell it to turn on/off or changevarious program parameters via reprogramming. The control box 20 andwireless misting controller 705 are also able to transmit reports of allstored data to cloud based servers (described below in connection withFIGS. 9, 10, and 12) for data extrapolation and the creation of reportsfor the customer to utilize in the provided “APP”. The control box 20and wireless misting controller 705 store all telemetry and runtime datafor a 24 hour period, once this 24 hour buffer is filled with data,control box 20 and wireless misting controller 705 will make connectionwith a cloud based server (described below in connection with FIGS. 9,10, and 12) and send the report, where it will be logged to thatspecific account and used to quantify savings, etc.

Pressure Sensor

A pressure sensor may be located at the inlet to the solenoid valve 25,which allows incoming pressure as well as functional pressure drop to bemeasured by the CPU 710. This sensor uses a relative type of measurementscale, meaning that the CPU 710 will decide what the normal baselinepressure reading is and send alarms should pressures fall below certainpreset operational thresholds.

Alarms

In the event of freezing weather or a pressure drop in the system (dueto leaks or catastrophic failure) the control box 20 and wirelessmisting controller 705 will send an alert signal to the cloud basedservers (described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 12) whichwill then contact the customer via the “APP” to alert them of a possibleproblem. In the event of a detected downstream leak the CPU wills ceaseoperation until action is taken.

Disable/Enable

A user is able to turn on or turn off the misting function at any timevia the APP. When this selection is made our servers will contact thatparticular control box 20 and wireless misting controller 705 anddisable/enable misting.

Valve

Due to low power requirements, the misting system 5 utilizes a low powerlatching type piloted solenoid valve. A small 2 mS positive going pulseopens the valve while a 2 mS negative going pulse closes the valve.

Because the valve stays in a steady state once a pulse a received noother power is used keeping it open or close. Negative and positivepulses are provided by the microprocessor and are buffered via an Hbridge of mosfets.

Low Power

Because control box 20 and wireless misting controller 705 isbattery/solar operated, power use is carefully monitored. Without thewifi transceiver requirements the system utilizes a few nano amps tofunction. Care was taken during circuit design to minimize draincurrents, leakage, and IC power consumption. All systems are gated viahigh side mosfet and are switched on only when needed. The control box20 and wireless misting controller 705 spends most of its time in asleep state, waking all systems once every ˜2 seconds for a period of100 ms then returning to sleep. This topology ensures extremely lowpower consumption and allows the product to subsist on very low rechargerates.

Preassembly and Adjustability

All systems are assembled and pretested prior to being shipped to thecustomer. The customer can adjust tube length on the manifold systemwithout compromising the factory tested seal . Adjustments are made bypushing in the locking tubing end collet 670 while pulling out the ¼″tube 645 to desired length, as described above in connection with FIGS.6A, 6B, and 6C. This is accomplished by utilizing a specially designedradial sealing/feed system in the manifold design that allows a largelength of ¼″ tube 645 to be passed through it while retaining flow toall nozzles 56 in its path. The locking tubing end collet 670 ensuresonce the length is adjusted it will stay constant.

Mistbox Algorithm Introduction

To minimize water consumption while maximizing power savings, controlbox 20 and wireless misting controller 705 use a number of criteria todetermine when misting should occur. The process effectively tradeswater for energy, which can be beneficial monetarily for a homeowner.However, air-cooled air conditioning systems are only inefficient incertain cases. While misting continually would fully minimize powerconsumption, such operation would be very wasteful where water isconcerned. Also, even misting only when the AC system is running canproduce situations with extreme diminishing returns. Thus, to fullyoptimize the system and maximize savings, an algorithm takes intoaccount a number of different criteria to decide when misting shouldtake place.

Algorithm Variables

1. Whether the AC system is running. Not only should the fan be running,but the system should be in a cooling cycle or else cooling the intakeair will have no benefit. To accomplish determining whether thecondenser unit is running or not, the control box 20 and wirelessmisting controller 705 measure the following metrics.

A. Electromagnetic field strength to indicate whether the compressormotor is running;

B. Vibration to determine whether the fan is in operation; and

C. Acoustic (sound) to determine whether the fan and motor are running.

Sensing all of these criteria and having redundancy built in helps toavoid false triggers. Unique thresholds are set by the control box 20 orthe wireless misting controller 705 for each of the three stimuli.Because the control box 20 and the wireless misting controller 705 canbe mounted anywhere on the unit housing, the control box 20 and thewireless misting controller 705 sense the conditions that are presentduring operation, and then appropriately sets these thresholds forfuture determination of whether the AC system is active.

2. What the current air temperature/humidity environment is surroundingthe AC unit. Through testing, it has been determined a good rule ofthumb is that the minimum temperature threshold for mist operation isabout 75 degrees F. This minimum threshold is flexible, depending on therelative humidity at any given time.

3. How efficient that particular AC system is. Some AC systems are oldand inefficient and some are brand new and efficient. To optimallydetermine when the control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705should run, the control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705performs periodic testing to determine how well the AC system is coolingthe home without the aid of the control box 20 or the wireless mistingcontroller 705. Then, it compares operation with misting present todetermine how much the control box 20 or the wireless misting controller705 is increasing efficiency . . . if at all. These tests are done untileach temperature/humidity situation has been accounted for.

Temperature/Humidity Situational Analysis

If the assumption is made that evaporative pre-cooling should not takeplace when temperature is below 75 degrees F., then it is useful toanalyze each degree above 75 degrees F. to determine if misting shouldoccur. Setting aside the factor of AC system efficiency for a moment,the only other variable of importance other than temperature whendetermining optimal misting patterns is humidity. Since evaporativecooling is the method the control box 20 or the wireless mistingcontroller 705 uses to cool the intake air, it follows that evaporation(and thus evaporative pre-cooling) with more easily occur when therelative humidity is low. However, even though complete evaporation ofthe water is optimal, there is still benefit during the misting processwhen unevaporated water hits the hot condenser fins. This alsofacilitates increased efficiency, though not to the same extent as thefine mist evaporating in the air. Thus, there are situations wheremisting could be the correct financial decision even when the humiditylevel is very high, if the temperature is sufficiently high as well.

The algorithm will be continually adapted as more and more qualitativetesting data is accumulated from control boxes 20 or the wirelessmisting controllers 705 all over the world. The temperature scenarioswill set up from 75 deg to 105 deg F, and the humidity levels will beset up from 0% to 100% in 5% increments. This implies a total of 651temperature/humidity scenarios assuming these preset ranges and 5%humidity increment rounding. It will be understood that additionalscenarios are also possible.

While it would take many, many tests at each individual control box 20or wireless misting controller 705 to determine optimal operation bygathering data at each of the 651 temperature/humidity scenariocombinations, by gathering the data across all units that are installedworldwide it will be possible to obtain data at each scenario ratherquickly. Then, this “crowdsourcing” of data can be harnessed to updateonboard thresholds for misting optimization for all customers. Currenthumidity and temperature information for each location is pulled fromweather application program interfaces (API), and is then combined withthe temperature reading by the control box 20 or the wireless mistingcontroller 705 at the location. It will be understood that a humiditysensor could be added to the control box 20 or the wireless mistingcontroller 705.

AC Unit Efficiency Analysis

The other variable that is accounted for is the efficiency of the ACsystem. By tracking the run-time length of a cycle, the control box 20or the wireless misting controller 705 can determine how much workloadis needed to cool the home without the control box 20 or the wirelessmisting controller 705. Then, during another cycle at the sametemperature/humidity combination, the control box 20 or the wirelessmisting controller 705 can measure how much more efficient the system iswhen mist is operating. These operation metrics of the AC system can becompared to many other AC systems to determine a relative efficiencyvalue compared to other, known systems. By categorizing AC systemstogether in groups as a function of their efficiency in certaintemperature/humidity situations, data from testing can be applied morerapidly. For example, each AC system can be given a rating on a 1-10scale to indicate how efficiently it runs. Then, this factor can beadded to the decision making process.

Make/Model Information Inputs

Customers are asked to provide the make, model, and size (BritishThermal Units (BTUs) or tonnage) of their AC unit when they create anaccount. By collecting this information, the cloud based servers(discussed below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 12) will be able toimmediately apply any data from other customers with the same modelunit. This will reduce the need for as testing a specific AC unit todetermine efficiency.

Power and Water Cost Inputs

Because there can be large discrepancies in prices customers pay forwater consumption and power usage, these variables must be taken intoaccount when deciding how to perfectly optimize misting operation foreach individual customer. Customers enter their price in dollars perkilowatt-hour ($/kwh) for power as well as their price in dollars/gallonfor water. Other units for power and water can be used as well in othercountries as needed. Some areas also have variable pricing depending onfactors like total monthly consumption or peak demand usage. Thesevariables can dramatically alter the cost benefit landscape and are beaccounted for. Customers will be able to enter in the peak hours thattheir power supplier charges more for power, and the control box 20 orthe wireless misting controller 705 will take that information intoaccount when determining whether mist should be applied for given ACcycles.

Decision Making Flow on Misting Operation. Must have “YES” Answer forall to Mist:

In one or more embodiments, all of the following questions must beanswered in the affirmative in order to enable misting (note that notall of these conditions need to be met in other embodiments):

-   -   Is enough EMF detected to determine AC unit may be running?    -   Is enough acoustic stimuli present to determine AC unit may be        running?    -   Is enough vibration sensed to determine AC unit may be running?    -   Is temperature high enough to warrant checking temp/humidity        conditions table?    -   Is temp/humidity combination an acceptable condition for misting        to occur in an average situation based on information aggregated        from crowd sourced data?    -   Does AC unit efficiency (from testing or from make/model info)        dictate that misting would be profitable at this temp/humidity?

Cost Saving Potential Analysis of Each Situation:

Power is saved in two ways with the control box 20 or the wirelessmisting controller 705. First, the control box 20 or the wirelessmisting controller 705 allows the AC unit to cool the home faster,meaning the AC unit runs less. Power savings are realized through simplyless power consumed to run the AC unit. Second, because of the increasedefficiency of the AC unit, it actually uses less power while it'srunning as well. So savings for any period of time can be quantifiedwith the equation:

SAVINGS=[Power$current]×[(RedRT)×(KWH/secN)+(TotRT)×(KWH/secN−KWH/secR)]−(RedRT×FlowR×Water$)

Where:

T/H=current temperature/humidity combination conditions,

FlowR=flow rate of water when the control box 20 or the wireless mistingcontroller 705 is running in gallons/sec

Water$=water cost in $/gallon

Power$current=current power cost in $/KHW (could vary during peak usagetimes)

RedRT=Reduced run time (in seconds) due to the control box 20 or thewireless misting controller 705 misting operation

KWH/secN=KWH consumed per second without the control box 20 or thewireless misting controller 705 for T/H

TotRT=Total unit run time (in seconds) where the control box 20 or thewireless misting controller 705 is operating

KWH/secR=KWH consumed per second with the control box 20 or the wirelessmisting controller 705 for T/H

Conclusion

The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 algorithm foroptimizing misting operation inspects a number of different variablesand performs cost saving analysis on each specific weather scenariobased on a customer's water and power pricing, and the efficiency oftheir AC system. This will allow the control box 20 or the wirelessmisting controller 705 to fully maximize potential savings for eachcustomer on an individual basis.

Cloud Based Server

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 9, the wireless mistingcontroller 705 interfaces through, for example, a wireless access point905 with a cloud based server 910. While only one cloud based server 910is shown, it will be understood that a plurality of such servers may beused and that they may be located in a central location or they may bedistributed geographically. In one or more embodiments, the cloud basedserver 910 communicates with a mobile device 915 (or a personalcomputer, tablet, or other computing device), to receive commands andinformation from the mobile device 915 and to provide status and reportsto the mobile device 915. The wireless misting controller 705 operatesto improve the efficiency of compressor 920.

In one or more embodiments, the communications among the wirelessmisting controller 705, the wireless access point 905, the cloud basedserver 910, and the mobile device 915 are by way of a network 925. Inone or more embodiments, the network 925 includes a wide area network(WAN)(such as the Internet), a personal area network (PAN), a local areanetwork (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a virtual privatenetwork (VPN), and/or a wired network.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 10, the cloud basedserver 910 communicates with a plurality of wireless misting controllers705 via the network 925. The dashed lines and solid lines in FIG. 10indicate the possibility of independent communications. For example, thedashed lines and solid lines between the wireless misting controllers705 and the wireless access point 905 do not merely refer to handshakingthat typically occurs in wireless networks, but indicates thetransmission of commands and/or data to and from cloud based server 910.

The cloud base server 910 may take data from one wireless mistingcontroller 705 and use that data to control operations in another remotewireless misting controller 705, as described above. The cloud baseserver 910 may analyze data from one wireless misting controller 705,and as a result of the analysis, provide another wireless mistingcontroller 705 with updates to its programming, thresholds, or otherdata. Having multiple wireless misting controllers 705 communicate withthe cloud based server 910 allows the cloud based server 910 to analyze,configure, monitor, measure, activate and/or deactivate a wirelessmisting controller 705 remotely based on desired parameters.

In one or more embodiments, a customer (not shown) may control thesettings, configure the program, and/or install updates to the wirelessmisting controller 705 via a mobile APP. The customer may also remotelyaccess a wireless misting controller 705 via a computer that has accessto the network 925.

Evaporative Cooling Boxes Problem:

To precool an AC condenser one must broadcast a water mist around thecondenser allowing the mist to interact with the air, before being drawninto the condenser's heat exchanger, to evaporate and effectively dropthe temperature of the air going through the condenser thusly increasingthe cooling systems efficiency. Drawbacks of this method include theamount of water that must be consumed in the process as well as theimpact that said water has on its surroundings. Excessive contact withground water can cause metal parts to corrode as well as leave mineraldeposits on critical surfaces impeding their function.

Solution:

Self-contained and controlled evaporative cooling modules allow air andwater to interact within a specially designed, controlled environment,minimizing water consumption and water associated impact on nearbysurfaces (scale, rust, etc).

Operation:

With the cooling box, the water to air evaporation is kept inside acontrolled environment, completely removed from the condenser unit. Thedesign is such that no water will be allowed to leave the proximity ofthe box, doing away with all possible water contact with the condenser.Due to the wick type element design, very little water is used toachieve a desirable cooling result. Wicks are wetted by the control box20 or the wireless misting controller via a valve when needed and arethen allowed to dry via evaporation. Their vertical orientation ensuresgravity will aid in water dispersion on the material.

Construction:

Cooling box modules 1105, illustrated in FIG. 11, consist of a shallow,hollow, box type housing (or box) 1110, with cut outs on the front andrear faces 1115, 1120 to allow a large amount of air to pass through.Very small mesh (400 mesh size, ˜0.013″ opening) stainless steel screens(not shown so other features can be seen) are spanned across theseopenings to prevent debris from entering the box and large waterdroplets from leaving the apparatus. Located in the middle of the box isa removable framed wick element insert 1125 that houses the water feedchannels, which can be fed by one or more manifolds 50 or adjustablemanifolds 605, and the wick elements 1130. The wick elements 1130 aremade of a special super absorptive material, namely PVA fabric (polyvinyl acetate), that is treated with a compound that promotes andinduces water evaporation from its surfaces (silica). The wick elements1130 are aligned in vertical strips to maximize surface contact with theincoming air and cause minimal parasitic drag to the condenser system.

Implementation:

The boxes 1110 are placed around the condenser unit, secured by amounting flange 1140, so that when the condenser fan turns on, it drawsair from the outside through the boxes 1110 and then through thecondenser itself. Upon condenser turn on detection, the control box 20or the wireless misting controller 705 will qualify it for precoolingassist by determining that the condenser is indeed running via on boardsensors and using these sensors to answer operational questions such as:Is it warm enough? What is the relative humidity? How long should thewicks be actively wetted based on this information? When will the wicksneed to be rewetted? Once the cycle is qualified by the controller avalve, such as solenoid valve 25, opens that allows water to flow intothe box plumbing system through a water connection 1135 (or through oneor more manifolds 50 or adjustable manifolds 605) thereby wetting thewick elements 1130. This water will flow for a predetermined amount oftime based on local relative humidity as well as local temperaturereadings so that the optimal amount of water is used to wet theelements. As the air, being pulled by the condenser fan, travels throughthe box 1110, it passes the wetted wick elements 1130 that readily allowthe water to evaporate from their surfaces, thusly cooling the air as itpasses through them.

In one or more embodiments, venturi air vanes 1208, illustrated in FIG.12, located behind the wick elements 1130, create enough turbulence andpressure drop to aid evaporation and large droplet flocculation. In oneor more embodiments, the venturi shapes are created by two parallel airfoils 1210, 1215, shown in FIG. 12, with a triangular profile and airgap in between. As the air stream enters the initial part of the venturi1220, it slows down and pressure builds. As the airstream leaves theinitial part of the venturi 1120, it reaches a dilution zone 1225 wherepressure rapidly drops and air speed rapidly increases. These flow andpressure gradients help water evaporate initially, followed by latterparticulate removal via flocculation. In one or more embodiments, theventuri air vanes 1208 are strips without the triangular shape. When theair leaves the box 1110 it is now cooler and free of liquid water ordebris.

The cooler air can now be drawn through the condenser's heat exchangerfins to cool hot refrigerant and dramatically increase the system'sefficiency. In one or more embodiments, the cooling box module 1105 doesnot include the venturi air vanes 1208.

Cloud based server with cooling box module:

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 13, the manifold 50 oradjustable manifold 605 shown in the arrangement of FIG. 9 is replacedby a cooling box module 1105.

In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 14, the manifolds 50 oradjustable manifolds 605 shown in the arrangement of FIG. 10 arereplaced by a cooling box modules 1105.

Additional metrics:

In one or more embodiments, the following metrics, in addition to or inreplacement of those described above, can be used to determine whetherto mist:

Thermostat wirelessly connected to control box

The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 may determinewhether to mist based on whether a thermostat wirelessly informs thecontrol box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 that thecompressor is running.

Additional temperature metrics:

The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 may determinenot to mist if the temperature is below a settable temperaturethreshold.

The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 may determinenot to mist if ambient temperature is above (or below) a temperaturethreshold and the rate of change of temperature is above (or below) arate of temperature change threshold.

The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 may determineto mist if temperature is rising at a threshold rate and the temperatureis above a threshold.

The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 may determinenot to mist if the temperature is falling at a threshold rate and thetemperature is below a threshold.

Additional Acoustic Metric

A noise maker (such as a simple horn) is attached to the grill above thecompressor fan. The noise maker makes a noise when the fan is on. Thecontrol box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 may determine tomist upon detection of the low noise.

Additional EMF Metric:

The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 may determineto mist if measured counter electromotive force (CEMF) is above athreshold.

A current measuring device is coupled to the power feed for thecompressor. The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705may determine to mist if the current measured by the current measuringdevice is above a threshold.

Optical Metrics:

A mirror is placed on one of the blades of the compressor fan and aled/detector is placed outside the compressor. The led/detector receivesa flash every time the blade with the mirror passes. The control box 20or the wireless misting controller 705 may determine to mist when thefrequency of pulses exceeds a threshold.

Another optical metric relies on the difference in light intensity seenby a light detector positioned to detect light coming up through the topof the compressor. The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller705 may determine to mist based on the contrast between the intensity ofthe light when the fan is on and the intensity of the light when the fanis off.

Another optical metric relies on the difference in light intensity seenby a light detector positioned to detect light coming up through the topof the compressor. The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller705 may determine to mist based on a count of flashes caused by thedifference between the intensity of the light when a fan blade is belowthe light detector and when there is no fan blade below the lightdetector.

Another optical metric relies on the difference in color seen by a lightdetector positioned to detect light coming up through the top of thecompressor. The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705may determine to mist based on the contrast between the color of thelight when the fan is on and the color of the light when the fan is off.

Another optical metric passes a light from one side of the fan to theother (the light should enters and leaves the area above the fan at anangle to that when the air is compressed there is refraction causing theamount of received light to diminish) and detect the change in thereceived light caused by diffraction resulting from the compressed airfrom the fan

Another optical metric detects vibration in the compressor by detectinga difference in flight time from a light source to a surface on thecompressor to a light detector.

Mechanical Metrics:

A generator (such as a fan) is placed at the top of the compressor.Movement of the air through the generator will generate electricitywhich can be detected. The control box 20 or the wireless mistingcontroller 705 may determine to mist when the amplitude of the generatedelectricity reaches a threshold.

The compressor fan will move up or down slightly because of the liftcaused by the fan blades when it turns on or off. The control box 20 orthe wireless misting controller 705 may determine to mist upon detecting(using, for example, flight time measurements to and from an acousticdetector or a microwave detector, or the like, to the fan) the slightmovement as an indication that the fan is on.

The inertia of the compressor will cause it twist on its base to counterthe rotation of the compressor shaft when it first turns on. The controlbox 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 may determine to mist upondetecting the twist through a mechanical sensor on the compressor mountor through an optical sensor that can detect the motion of thecompressor.

Combination:

The control box 20 or the wireless misting controller 705 may determineto mist based a combination of the metrics described above, where themetrics or the metric thresholds are chosen based on the values of someof the metrics; e.g., for low temperatures use one set of metrics andfor high temperatures use another set of metrics.

It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that described herein isa novel apparatus and method for increasing the efficiency of an airconditioning unit. While the invention has been described withreferences to specific preferred and exemplary embodiments, it is notlimited to these embodiments. The invention may be modified or varied inmany ways and such modifications and variations as would be obvious toone of skill in the art are within the scope and spirit of the inventionand are included within the scope of the following claims.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. An apparatus comprising: a mister having an onstate and an off state; a thermostat coupled to an air conditionercompressor and to the mister; and wherein the thermostat informs themister when the air conditioner compressor is running and the misteruses that information to determine whether to transition between the onstate and the off state.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein thethermostat is wirelessly coupled to the mister.
 22. An apparatuscomprising: a mister having an on state and an off state; an airconditioner compressor having a fan; and a sensor coupled to the airconditioner compressor and to the mister, wherein the sensor detects adifference in light adjacent the air conditioner compressor when the airconditioner compressor is on and the fan is spinning versus when it isoff and the fan is not spinning; wherein the mister uses the sensor todetermine whether to transition between the on state and the off state.23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the sensor detects a difference inthe intensity of light adjacent the air conditioner compressor when theair conditioner compressor is on and the fan is spinning versus when itis off and the fan is not spinning.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22wherein the fan has blades and the apparatus further comprises: a mirrorcoupled to one of the blades of the fan and positioned so that it willdirect light in flashes to the sensor once per revolution of the fan;and wherein the sensor detects the once-per-revolution flashes of light.25. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the fan has blades and the sensordetects a difference in the intensity of light adjacent the airconditioner compressor when a blade of the fan is below the sensorversus when a blade of the fan is not below the sensor.
 26. An apparatuscomprising: a mister having an on state and an off state; an airconditioner compressor having a fan that blows air outward from thecompressor when the compressor is running; and a generator in the pathof the air blown from the compressor, the generator generatingelectricity when air of sufficient force is blowing from the compressor;wherein the mister switches between the on state and the off state whenelectricity generated by the generator reaches a threshold.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 26 wherein the generator is a fan.
 28. The apparatusof claim 26 wherein the mister switches from the off state to the onstate when the electricity generated by the generator reaches thethreshold from below. 29-34. (canceled)